So I was debating about whether or not to post this in Techland. Then I decided, what the heck, it’s Friday, why not!

For the past 11 years, I’ve been organizing an annual Oscars competition with one of my very best friends: David M. Johnson, engineer and theatrical lighting master, now operating out of San Francisco’s Mission District. Just below the fog line.

Now this is a tradition that goes all the way back to college spring breaks, where I would gather with extended friends in my parent’s living room, and we would keep a running tally of points on poster board, using sharpies to keep track of who picked what category correctly, and who won our assortment of crappy, offensive prizes.

It was pure silliness, but through the years, it became reliable silliness, and now we’ve reached the point where some 100-200 people sign in each winter, to hazard their best guesses, negotiate our silly points structure, and reach for bragging rights that will last for a good 364 days.

Since this is the first Oscars Night with Techland in operation, I thought, why not extend the offer to all of you loyal readers as well. So here’s the deal: You needn’t know anything about movies. Just go to this link, which will redirect you to Dave and Steve’s now-defunct movie blog: http://movies.zertinet.com/voteoscars.php

Then: Make your picks, add your name and e-mail address, and you’ll receive three automated updates during the Oscar ceremony, with one final note early Monday about who won. Then you can brag.

See: Easy!

We might have prizes. David and I really haven’t decided yet. As you can tell, this isn’t a very formal affair. But I promise you this: If the Techland faithful put up a good showing, I’ll be back with an update Monday morning, congratulating the winners. So there’s that: You can brag in front of your comrades.

Good luck to all who enter. And now you simply have to decide: Is best picture going to Avatar or The Hurt Locker? Or could Inglorious Basterds sneak in with a surprise upset? Is Sandra Bullock really going to win?